Cyprus Diaspora Forum 2026 discusses regional business hub status

During the first day of the Cyprus Diaspora Forum 2026 in Limassol, Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides stated that Cyprus is evolving into a strong regional and global business hub. Skourides addressed a session titled 'Cyprus: From an emerging hub to a global player.' He highlighted that the number of startups in Cyprus increased fivefold between 2020 and 2025. The growth of the local ecosystem is attributed to increased trust, innovation, and transparency. Key areas of research and development cited include microchips, shipping, and healthcare. Skourides emphasized that these sectors are now forming collaborative clusters to enhance economic performance. He asserted that the transformation into a regional hub is an ongoing process rather than a future ambition. The initiative aims to create a bidirectional value flow between local entities and international businesses to facilitate better access to Europe.